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Winter Weather Update: December 4, 2007

Tuesday, December 4, 2007 - 10:05am

Madison - Cleanup efforts related to the weekend snow and ice storm continue in the City of Madison. Top city staff from a number of agencies met again today with the mayor's office to review current issues, coordinate cleanup work and prepare for the additional snowfall expected this afternoon and evening. The City of Madison includes some 750 miles of streets and 1700 total lane miles.

City workers from the Streets, City Engineering and Parks agencies continue working around the clock on cleanup efforts. The combination of heavy, wet snow and subsequent icing has made cleanup efforts more challenging. Current priorities include continuing to clear main thoroughfares to the curb and scraping clear residential side streets. The City of Madison does not generally salt residential side streets in an effort to minimize harmful salt runoff into Madison-area lakes and groundwater.

"City crews are working hard to clean up from the last storm and get ready for the next round of snow," said Mayor Dave Cieslewicz. "Madisonians can help them do their jobs by making sure to abide by the winter parking rules so plows can clear the streets all the way to the curb. Residents and businesses can also do their part by making sure their own sidewalks are clear, and assisting neighbors who may need a helping hand."

After a 24-hour grace period, the City resumed enforcement of the sidewalk cleanup ordinance today at 12:00pm (under normal conditions, enforcement would have started yesterday at 12:00 p.m.). Enforcement was delayed in recognition of the difficulty residents might have in clearing sidewalks of the mix of snow and ice.

Sanding is advised for sidewalks that cannot be entirely cleared of ice at this point. The Streets Division provides sand for the use of City of Madison residents at several locations around the City. All sand is mixed with a small quantity of salt to prevent the sand from freezing. A list of free distribution locations is provided below.

The Senior Home Chore Program can help those who require assistance clearing their sidewalks and driveways. To request assistance from this program, or to volunteer, contact one of the following numbers:

Residents and businesses with questions or concerns about their street conditions can contact the Streets Department at 246-4532 (East), or 266-4681 (West), or via the Report-a-Problem website: http://www.cityofmadison.com/reportAProblem.